Upgrade your home with a free heat pump water heater (HPWH)!
Disadvantaged communities have historically dealt with the worst air pollution, traffic density, heat exposure, and other environmental hazards. San Francisco is transitioning from gas to electric appliances to reduce air pollution, and The Hub is dedicated to making this transition affordable and beneficial in these communities. Our HPWH program is just the first step.
We’ll secure up to $10,785 in rebate funding to fully cover the cost of the upgrade and support you each step of the way.
How it works
- Sign Up. Fill out the form and an electrification advisor will reach out to confirm you meet the eligibility requirements and walk you through the process.
- Home Assessment. Send photos of your current water heater and surrounding area or have a team member come to your home to take the photos.
- Sign Agreement. Sign an agreement with the installer to carry out the no-cost project.
- Installation. Your old gas water heater will be removed and replaced with a new electric unit, followed by an inspection to ensure proper functioning.
- Continued Support. Staff will check in about your experience with the new water heater and determine your interest in receiving additional upgrades.
Who is eligible?
- You currently use a gas water heater that is more than 8 years old.
- Your household earns 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) or less. (i.e. a 4-person household that makes less than $115,300 per year). View the full eligibility chart.
- Proof of income is not required if you can provide documents proving participation in public assistance programs such as Medi-Cal, SNAP, or CalWorks
Benefits of an all-electric water heater
Since HPWHs are fully electric, they do not produce greenhouse gas emissions during operation. Additionally, HPWHs are 3-5 times more efficient than traditional gas water heaters, allowing them to deliver the same amount of hot water while consuming less energy.
Avoid paying out of pocket for your next water heater by taking advantage of this program. Additionally, by using programs such as OhmConnect or FlexSaver, you can earn cash rewards for reducing your energy use.
About the Hub & Partners
The SF Climate Equity Hub is a partnership between the SF Environment Department and Bayview Hunters Point Community Advocates.
The Hub aims to utilize the clean energy transition as an opportunity to address inequities by developing programs that make electrification financially beneficial for EJ communities.
The goal? To eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from residential buildings while advancing racial and social equity, health, economic revitalization, and resilience. The Hub's approach includes:
- Helping residents navigate incentive programs & connecting them with trusted contractors.
- Protecting tenants' rights.
- Connecting workers to training programs and employment opportunities.
The Hub will prioritize serving San Francisco's Environmental Justice communities, including Bayview Hunters Point, Chinatown, Excelsior, Japantown, Mission, Ocean View-Merced Heights-Ingleside, Outer Mission, Potrero Hill, SoMa, Tenderloin, Treasure Island, Visitacion Valley, and Western Addition.
The Hub’s long-term development and success is guided by the Advisory Committee, which is composed of individuals with backgrounds in affordable housing, climate action, tenants' rights and building electrification. See below for a full list of associated organizations:
- Association for Energy Affordability
- Bayview Hunters Point Community Advocates
- Brightline Defense
- Emerald Cities Collaborative
- People Organizing to Demand Environmental and Economic Rights (PODER)
- QuitCarbon
- San Francisco Bay Physicians for Social Responsibility
- San Francisco Housing Development Corporation
- South of Market Community Action Network (SOMCAN)
- Sunworks
Have Questions?